Biological sample collection

Abstract

Disclosed is a device ( 10 ) for collecting a biological sample, the device comprising an elongate handle ( 40 ) extending generally along a handle axis, and a sample collecting head ( 20 ) removably supported or supportable on the handle, the head being formed from a porous folded planar or sheet material, optionally including a plurality of arms ( 22 - 28 FIG. 2 ) each extending away from the handle axis in a different direction. An ejection handle is provided. Disclosed also is an efficient method for extracting DNA information from the device.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A forensic device for collecting a biological sample, the device comprising: an elongate handle extending substantially along a handle axis, and a rigid sample collecting head attachable to and detachable from the handle, wherein the head is a porous, substantially planar or sheet material folded to form a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms extending away from the handle axis in a different direction, wherein the handle is a hollow tube providing a tube wall having an outer handle surface, wherein each of the plurality of arms passes through a respective corresponding slot extending through the tube wall, wherein the handle includes a slidable ejector pin disposed within the handle, wherein a first end of the ejector pin extends beyond a first end of the handle, and wherein a second end of the ejector pin is arranged to engage a portion of the head. 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube wall comprises 2 to 12 slots in an array. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the head is a matrix containing a conjugate base of thiocyanic acid, and wherein said conjugate base of thiocyanic acid recovers nucleic acid information. 
     
     
       4. A method for collecting a biological sample, including the following steps, in any suitable order: a) providing the sample collection device of  claim 1 ; b) dampening the head of said collection device with sterile liquid; c) collecting a biological sample on the head; and d) allowing the head to dry. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the head is a paper material. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein each slot extends parallel to the axis. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the conjugate base of thiocyanic acid is Guanidinium Thiocyanate. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the matrix contains an indicating dye. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the indicating dye is Chlorophenol red. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube wall comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 slots in an array. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tube wall comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 slots in an array.